Solarpanel an einem Mehrfamilienhaus in Düsseldorf
DKE publishes world's first product standard for plug-in solar devices
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Effective protection for solar panels against hail: VDE Americas and RETC offer new test
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Smartphone-Energy efficiency
New EU energy label for smartphones, tablets, and other devices: VDE Institute expands testing services
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hochspannungsleitungen-energie-144446802
Europe's electrical energy grid in transition - VDE shows ways for secure and stable grids
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Konzept nachhaltiger Energiespeicherung in Form eines mit Blättern bedeckten Batteriesymbols auf einem grünen Hintergrund.
Path Cleared for the Battery Passport
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Energy: We are developing the e-dialistic energy supply

Symbolbild zu erneuerbaren Energien
Coloures-pic / Fotolia

Energy of the future: The energy transition is a generational task: by 2050, the share of renewable energies in the electricity supply is set to rise to at least 80%. This brings with it unprecedented challenges - but also unique opportunities. The norms and standards developed by the VDE are paving the way for this. They play a role in all important future topics: from the Internet of Energy (IoE) to cybersecurity, Power2X and e-mobility, microgrids and smart markets.

The VDE is not only active in Germany, but also around the globe: in Silicon Valley, we are contributing our know-how to battery research and building up local expertise. In China, we are organizing an energy transition initiative with State Grid China. And in Singapore, we are connecting energy grids - with multimodal concepts for a large number of islands. In other words, the VDE is one of the drivers of the energy transition. In Germany and internationally.

We are the pioneers of electrical energy technology

The future is connected, digital, electric. And we are shaping it. The Energy Technology Society within the VDE offers the entire sector a platform - for industry and science, for energy suppliers and energy users.

We make smart energy systems possible

In the past, products came onto the market and only then did the associated standards. Today it is the other way around. This paradigm shift guarantees manufacturers investment security. And it is the only way to ensure that the transformation of energy systems succeeds.

We plan the networks of tomorrow

The proportion of electricity from volatile sources is increasing. As a technical rule-setter, the VDE Network Technology/Network Operation Forum plays a key role in shaping this change - and helps to ensure that the energy supply always functions reliably with VDE application rules, FNN notes, studies and position papers.

Energy: VDE products and services

VDE Energy: Our topics

Windrad und Solarpanel mit Sonne im Hintergrund

Energy transition

The use of renewable energies in the electricity, heating and transport sectors is intended to protect the climate and achieve climate protection targets. By 2050, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 80 to 95 percent compared to 1990, the share of renewable energies in gross final energy consumption is to be increased by 60 percent and in gross electricity consumption by at least 80 percent, primary energy consumption is to be reduced by 50 percent (compared to 2008) and energy efficiency is to be increased by 2.1 percent annually across the electricity, heating and transport sectors. The VDE is actively helping to shape the energy transition.
Windrad und Solarpanel mit Sonne im Hintergrund

The use of renewable energies in the electricity, heating and transport sectors is intended to protect the climate and achieve climate protection targets. By 2050, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 80 to 95 percent compared to 1990, the share of renewable energies in gross final energy consumption is to be increased by 60 percent and in gross electricity consumption by at least 80 percent, primary energy consumption is to be reduced by 50 percent (compared to 2008) and energy efficiency is to be increased by 2.1 percent annually across the electricity, heating and transport sectors. The VDE is actively helping to shape the energy transition.

In studies and with its task forces, the VDE examines the effects of the energy transition, identifies challenges and the need for action and makes recommendations for the long-term and short-term further development of technology and the regulatory framework. The focus here is primarily on system issues.

VDE application rules make new concepts and innovative technologies for grid operation suitable for everyday use: connection conditions provide the technical framework for the energy transition from a system perspective. The focus is on the safe further development of the overall system towards 80 percent renewable energy. The aim is to avoid retrofitting as far as possible. The challenge here is that the requirements must be specified in advance with all specialist groups and planning and investment security must be created.

In national, European and international standardization, experts are developing concepts for current and future technologies, for example for the integration of electromobility and smart grids or the new role of electricity storage as a system. The challenge here is to incorporate German solutions - some of which are developed against the backdrop of ambitious energy policy goals - into European standardization. This transfer task is an important building block for the international competitiveness of the technologies and products developed here.

Windräder mit Motiven zum Internet der Dinge

Digitization

The digitalization of the energy industry affects all areas from energy supply to transmission and distribution through to sales. The drivers are the increasing complexity of the energy system due to the decentralization and small-scale nature of generation, the need to make the entire system more flexible, networking with other sectors such as heating and transport and, last but not least, cost pressure. Added to this are new Internet technologies and applications, new business processes and models, changing customer behavior and increasing competitive pressure from new market players from outside the industry. The VDE makes important contributions here - from research to concrete implementation and application:
Windräder mit Motiven zum Internet der Dinge

The digitalization of the energy industry affects all areas from energy supply to transmission and distribution through to sales. The drivers are the increasing complexity of the energy system due to the decentralization and small-scale nature of generation, the need to make the entire system more flexible, networking with other sectors such as heating and transport and, last but not least, cost pressure. Added to this are new Internet technologies and applications, new business processes and models, changing customer behavior and increasing competitive pressure from new market players from outside the industry. The VDE makes important contributions here - from research to concrete implementation and application:

In studies, the VDE examines, among other things, the potential and concepts for increasing flexibility options as well as the effects and limits for secure operation with ICT. In order to maintain the high level of supply security, secure system operation remains the top priority, even with the increased use of information and communication technologies. To this end, VDE FNN sets out forward-looking requirements for secure system operation and identifies the need for action.

VDE application rules, standards and instructions make new concepts and innovative technologies for electricity grid operation suitable for everyday use, for example digital protection systems, controllable local grid stations, grid-supportive control of generation and consumption systems and specifications for interoperable and interchangeable measuring system components. Software-independent data models ensure the secure interaction of different components: from electric vehicles to PV systems, from smart grids to smart homes.

Among other things, the VDE Institute tests and certifies smart home systems.

hochspannungsleitungen-energie-144446802

Smart grids and grid expansion

A prerequisite for the successful implementation of the energy transition is the targeted further development of the overall system - the electricity grids, generation and customer facilities. The expansion and conversion of our electrical transmission and distribution grids are an indispensable part of the energy transition. Our electricity grids in Germany are not designed for the massive, weather-dependent and decentralized feed-in of electricity. Wide-area transmission grids can compensate for the strong regional fluctuations in electricity generation from wind energy and photovoltaic systems. Intelligent grids equipped with information and communication technology (smart grids) increase the flexibility and controllability of the decentralized generation plants, storage systems and variable loads connected to the grid. The VDE is actively working on the future of grids:
hochspannungsleitungen-energie-144446802

A prerequisite for the successful implementation of the energy transition is the targeted further development of the overall system - the electricity grids, generation and customer facilities. The expansion and conversion of our electrical transmission and distribution grids are an indispensable part of the energy transition. Our electricity grids in Germany are not designed for the massive, weather-dependent and decentralized feed-in of electricity. Wide-area transmission grids can compensate for the strong regional fluctuations in electricity generation from wind energy and photovoltaic systems. Intelligent grids equipped with information and communication technology (smart grids) increase the flexibility and controllability of the decentralized generation plants, storage systems and variable loads connected to the grid. The VDE is actively working on the future of grids:


The VDE is investigating new approaches and grid concepts, including transmission technology, protection and automation technology and the use of direct current in distribution grids, in current studies and in its task forces.

New concepts and innovative technologies are made suitable for everyday use and future-proof by VDE application rules, for example for grid operation. Connection conditions provide the technical framework for the energy transition from a system perspective.

The further development of standards and, in particular, the incorporation of solutions developed in Germany into international standardization is an important building block for the competitiveness and future security of the technologies and products developed here. The VDE results form the basis for solutions from Germany that can be used worldwide, for example internationally recognized architecture models ensure interoperability.

The VDE stands for the safety and quality of electrotechnical applications and tests and certifies products and applications such as PV systems. In addition, the VDE Institute offers all important tests and certifications relating to grid conformity and confirms technical safety management (TSM).

Through the cooperation of science, manufacturers and users in the VDE, further development is driven forward in a targeted manner with a view to the overall system. The VDE is a driving force for politics and the regulatory framework.


Batterie Energiespeicher

Flexibility

Renewable energies require flexibility. Wind and sun are key pillars of renewable energy. The success of the energy transition therefore requires consumers and producers who can react flexibly to the respective generation situation. The expansion of the grids also helps to balance out fluctuations in renewable energy generation. However, complete balancing via the grid is neither economically viable nor technically possible. Another indispensable element is therefore electricity storage. They can balance out generation fluctuations at all voltage levels and also relieve the load on the grids. Storage systems can also provide system services.
Batterie Energiespeicher

Renewable energies require flexibility. Wind and sun are key pillars of renewable energy. The success of the energy transition therefore requires consumers and producers who can react flexibly to the respective generation situation. The expansion of the grids also helps to balance out fluctuations in renewable energy generation. However, complete balancing via the grid is neither economically viable nor technically possible. Another indispensable element is therefore electricity storage. They can balance out generation fluctuations at all voltage levels and also relieve the load on the grids. Storage systems can also provide system services.

In studies and in its task forces, the VDE examines the tasks and requirements of different flexibility options such as storage, flexible power plants and grid expansion, generation and consumption management. The VDE compares storage technologies and concepts for their integration into the electricity market, for example within the framework of regional flexibility markets.

FNN guidelines define connection concepts and roles for electricity storage systems and enable their use in grid operations.

The introduction of solutions developed in Germany into standardization, for example for storage technologies, and their integration as system components in the electricity grid, is forward-looking.

VDE tests and certifies a wide range of battery storage systems in its state-of-the-art battery testing center and VDE Renewables offers ESS services along the entire value chain.

Isolatorarbeiten zur Befestigung von Leitungen

Security

A secure supply at all times requires constant further development of the supply system. Generation from renewable energies, large-scale electricity trading in the European internal market, ever more powerful consumers with ever more interference-sensitive consumer devices and mobile consumers in the form of electric cars - while maintaining the same quality of supply: these are the challenges of the coming years. The VDE experts are helping to master them:
Isolatorarbeiten zur Befestigung von Leitungen

A secure supply at all times requires constant further development of the supply system. Generation from renewable energies, large-scale electricity trading in the European internal market, ever more powerful consumers with ever more interference-sensitive consumer devices and mobile consumers in the form of electric cars - while maintaining the same quality of supply: these are the challenges of the coming years. The VDE experts are helping to master them:

In studies and in its task forces, the VDE examines, among other things, the market integration of renewable energies as well as concepts and limits for the safe operation of the electricity grid with information and communication technology.

VDE application rules and instructions specify requirements for protection and control technology, identify influences on power quality and negative feedback from consumer devices and develop countermeasures.

The annual fault and availability statistics enable a representative evaluation of developments, even over long periods of time.

Norms and standards make everyday products safer. This can be seen, for example, in domestic installations and appliances: Here it is taken for granted today that even children can use electrotechnical products safely.

The VDE Institute tests the safety and quality of electrotechnical applications and certifies products and applications such as household appliances, toys and cables. The VDE experts also certify technical safety management (TSM). The VDE Institute also supports companies in obtaining the AuS seal of approval, which stands for the highest quality in training and occupational safety for live working.

Collage zu erneuerbaren Energien

Power generation

The electricity generation mix is undergoing fundamental change. Renewable energies are increasingly becoming the dominant source of electricity. Electricity is increasingly being generated in small, widely distributed units - dependent on sun and wind. The success of the energy transition also depends on flexible, demand-oriented generators. This is because only they are currently able to compensate for short and long-term capacity shortfalls in grids, storage facilities and volatile renewable energies or to remedy bottlenecks in the grid. Their use is the only way to ensure a stable and secure power supply during the transformation phase.
Collage zu erneuerbaren Energien

The electricity generation mix is undergoing fundamental change. Renewable energies are increasingly becoming the dominant source of electricity. Electricity is increasingly being generated in small, widely distributed units - dependent on sun and wind. The success of the energy transition also depends on flexible, demand-oriented generators. This is because only they are currently able to compensate for short and long-term capacity shortfalls in grids, storage facilities and volatile renewable energies or to remedy bottlenecks in the grid. Their use is the only way to ensure a stable and secure power supply during the transformation phase.

In studies and in its task forces, the VDE examines, among other things, new approaches for the integration of renewable energies, possibilities and further development requirements for secure system operation with decentralized and conventional generation plants.

VDE application rules are used to define the requirements for generation plants in advance so that the many small plants also serve the grid and support the system in the long term.

Current solutions and long-term strategies, for example for storage systems, island grids and much more, are developed nationally and internationally in standardization.

The VDE tests and certifies PV systems for electrical and technical safety, for example, thus enabling investors to evaluate the systems.

Windrad Energieeffizienz

Energy efficiency

Demand for energy is increasing worldwide, but many of our natural energy resources are finite. It is therefore foreseeable that energy prices will rise massively as resources become increasingly scarce. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels is accelerating climate change. Increasing energy efficiency has a dampening effect on energy prices, reduces dependence on energy imports, reduces emissions of climate-damaging carbon dioxide and increases security of supply. The careful handling and intelligent use of energy is therefore one of the key challenges of the future. The VDE is supporting the development of energy efficiency technologies:
Windrad Energieeffizienz

Demand for energy is increasing worldwide, but many of our natural energy resources are finite. It is therefore foreseeable that energy prices will rise massively as resources become increasingly scarce. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels is accelerating climate change. Increasing energy efficiency has a dampening effect on energy prices, reduces dependence on energy imports, reduces emissions of climate-damaging carbon dioxide and increases security of supply. The careful handling and intelligent use of energy is therefore one of the key challenges of the future. The VDE is supporting the development of energy efficiency technologies:

In studies, the VDE deals, among other things, with increasing efficiency through sector integration, approaches for the energy optimization of rail transport, the efficiency and savings potential of electrical energy in Germany by 2025 and the leveraging of energy efficiency potential through smart living.

Through standardization and specific product and test requirements, the VDE enables the expert testing and assessment of electrotechnical products.

The VDE DKE standardization roadmap "Electrical Energy Efficiency" illustrates how impressive the results achieved in the field of energy efficiency are: The average energy consumption of electrical appliances, such as refrigerators or freezers, dishwashers or washing machines, has decreased massively: by over 30 percent in the past twenty years. This corresponds to an energy saving of ten terawatt hours per year in Europe or the annual energy consumption of a large nuclear power plant.

The VDE Institute carries out energy audits and measurements on energy consumption and efficiency.

Kontrollraum

Cyber Security

In addition to new services and new market opportunities, the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT) as part of the digitalization of the energy supply creates completely new questions and challenges. The focus here is on data that requires a special level of protection due to its personal nature or its criticality for the energy infrastructure. The energy infrastructure is a critical infrastructure. Appropriate protection mechanisms must therefore be defined in order to guarantee supply and operational security, as well as mechanisms for data protection and protection against disruptions and attacks (operational protection).
Kontrollraum

In addition to new services and new market opportunities, the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT) as part of the digitalization of the energy supply creates completely new questions and challenges. The focus here is on data that requires a special level of protection due to its personal nature or its criticality for the energy infrastructure. The energy infrastructure is a critical infrastructure. Appropriate protection mechanisms must therefore be defined in order to guarantee supply and operational security, as well as mechanisms for data protection and protection against disruptions and attacks (operational protection).

In studies and in its task forces, the VDE examines the effects and limits of secure operation with ICT, formulates suitable security requirements and new concepts for protective measures to secure the energy infrastructure and communication in the smart grid.

Grid operators are obliged to introduce and certify an information security management system (ISMS) to protect the relevant applications, systems and components for secure grid operation. VDE FNN classifies relevant legal regulations in the information security in the energy supply and provides information on how to introduce an ISMS and how to report security-related incidents.

With its internationally active experts, the VDE is driving forward the development of standards for the technical hardware and software control of the energy system. Solutions from Germany are also being introduced for the IT-supported handling of market processes.

Collage zu erneuerbaren Energien

Sector coupling

Storage and load shifting are key challenges, but also opportunities for the energy transition. Due to the uneven distribution of renewable energies - especially solar and wind - supra-regional energy balancing and storage are essential for the success of the energy transition. Technological advances have significantly improved energy storage systems and converters. Thanks to sector coupling, different energy sources can be networked with each other in modern and sustainable energy supply systems. In this way, technically optimal and economical solutions for mobility, process heat, space heating, cooling, drives and ICT can be realized.
Collage zu erneuerbaren Energien

Storage and load shifting are key challenges, but also opportunities for the energy transition. Due to the uneven distribution of renewable energies - especially solar and wind - supra-regional energy balancing and storage are essential for the success of the energy transition. Technological advances have significantly improved energy storage systems and converters. Thanks to sector coupling, different energy sources can be networked with each other in modern and sustainable energy supply systems. In this way, technically optimal and economical solutions for mobility, process heat, space heating, cooling, drives and ICT can be realized.

In studies and in its task forces, the VDE is investigating how the energy sources used today - above all fossil fuels - can be replaced by electricity, heat and gas. This also includes new approaches and concepts for energy supply as well as fields of application for different conversion and storage technologies.

VDE application rules and instructions define connection concepts for electricity storage systems and enable their use in grid operation.

Standards already reflect the trends of tomorrow: For example, highly flexible data models ensure interoperability.

Strommast und Solarmodule

Energy applications

The conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy (generators, recuperation when braking vehicles) and the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy (electrical machines and drives) should have particularly high efficiency levels due to the large proportion of unwanted thermal energy. This requires close cooperation between mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and the semiconductor industry - for power electronics. The VDE supports the development of new concepts and solutions and their rapid transfer to other sectors.
Strommast und Solarmodule

The conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy (generators, recuperation when braking vehicles) and the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy (electrical machines and drives) should have particularly high efficiency levels due to the large proportion of unwanted thermal energy. This requires close cooperation between mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and the semiconductor industry - for power electronics. The VDE supports the development of new concepts and solutions and their rapid transfer to other sectors.

For example, power electronics and electric motors for the drivetrain of electric cars have been combined into the smallest sizes and robust solutions. Other examples include small and micro drives, which are often used today in modern actuators in control systems. Size, weight, material consumption, efficiency and interference emission are constantly being improved.

Illustration Konzept einer nachhaltigen Welt

Environment + nature conservation

Every construction measure on the energy grid has an impact on the environment and nature, which must be taken into account from the outset. To this end, nature conservation associations, industry, grid operators and science work together at VDE to find solutions. Together, they identify effective measures and define rules and standards, for example to protect birds or minimize fields. This creates investment security for users and public acceptance for the construction measures.
Illustration Konzept einer nachhaltigen Welt

Every construction measure on the energy grid has an impact on the environment and nature, which must be taken into account from the outset. To this end, nature conservation associations, industry, grid operators and science work together at VDE to find solutions. Together, they identify effective measures and define rules and standards, for example to protect birds or minimize fields. This creates investment security for users and public acceptance for the construction measures.

VDE application rules define requirements for overhead lines, for example for bird protection (collision protection and protection against electrical accidents). In addition, users are given advice on how to minimize electric and magnetic fields.

The VDE Institute tests for substances hazardous to health (PAHs), checks RoHS conformity and assesses compliance with the WEEE and REACH directives.

The environment and nature conservation also play an important role in standardization: a separate committee is responsible for environmental protection and sustainability in electrical engineering, electronics and information technology products.

EU-Flagge mit weiteren Flaggen im Hintergrund

European Network Codes

The European Network Codes are Europe-wide harmonized network access conditions for cross-border electricity exchange. The aim is to improve competition in the internal electricity market and to establish a functioning and transparent wholesale market. In addition to the specific requirements, which are legally binding in every member state on a one-to-one basis, the network codes contain targets that must be implemented at national level.
EU-Flagge mit weiteren Flaggen im Hintergrund

The European Network Codes are Europe-wide harmonized network access conditions for cross-border electricity exchange. The aim is to improve competition in the internal electricity market and to establish a functioning and transparent wholesale market. In addition to the specific requirements, which are legally binding in every member state on a one-to-one basis, the network codes contain targets that must be implemented at national level.

The challenge here is that many issues relating to the cross-border exchange of electricity also depend on the different national regulatory frameworks and specific energy policy objectives. With regard to the energy transition, secure grid operation with an 80% share of renewables is not possible with the minimum European consensus on requirements. It must therefore be carefully weighed up where national leeway is necessary for safe and efficient operation within the corresponding energy policy framework and where common European standards make sense.

The VDE is active in two areas:

  • On behalf of the BMWi, the VDE translates European regulations into national regulations through VDE application rules and puts them into concrete terms. The challenges here are that the objectives of the energy transition and cross-border electricity trading must be concretized as rules with all specialist groups. Extensive studies have been carried out to determine what is specifically required in Germany between the implementation of the energy transition in the grid and the connected systems. The results are incorporated into the VDE application rules.
  • As part of European standardization, the specific effects of European regulations on standardization are determined and updates are initiated. The challenge here is to incorporate German solutions - some of which are developed against the backdrop of ambitious energy policy goals - into European standardization. This transfer task is an important building block for the international competitiveness of the technologies and products developed here.
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